8 Days Lemosho Route

Day 1: Londorossi Gate – Mti Mkubwa Camp

Distance: 4.8km / 3mi | Duration: 3-4 hours | Habitat: Rainforest

Elevation: 2389m/7838ft to 2785m/9137ft | Altitude Gained: 396m

Departing from Moshi a 45-minute drive will take you through welcoming mountainside villages to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead. Enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora and fauna and natural wildlife. At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and quite slippery. We highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles here.

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp – Shira I Camp

Distance: 7.9km / 5mi | Duration: 4-6 hours | Habitat: Moorland

Elevation: 2785m/9137ft to 3504m/11,496ft | Altitude Gained: 719m

After a good night's sleep and a hearty breakfast, we emerge from the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, we leave the forest behind now, the trail climbs steadily with wide views to reach the rim of the Shira Plateau. Temperatures begin to drop.

Day 3: Shira I Camp – Shira Hut

Distance: 6.9km / 4.3mi | Duration: 5-7 hours | Habitat: Moorland

Elevation: 3504m/11,496ft to 3895m/12,779ft | Altitude Gained: 391m

We explore the Shira plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east toward Kibo's glaciered peak, across the plateau which leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. Then we continue to Moir Hut, a little-used site on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira is one of the highest plateaus on earth.

Day 4: Shira Hut – Lava Tower – Barranco Camp

Distance: 10.1km / 6.3mi | Duration: 4-6 hours | Habitat: Semi Desert

Elevation: 3895m/12,779ft to 3986m/13,077ft | Altitude Gained: 91m

Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization. From Shira Plateau we continue east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the Kibo peak before we then continue, South East towards the Lava Tower, called the "Shark's Tooth" (elev. 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower, we come to a second junction, which leads to the Arrow Glacier. We then continue to descend to overnight at Barranco Camp.

Day 5: Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp

Distance: 5.2km / 3mi | Duration: 4-5 hours | Habitat: Alpine Desert

Elevation: 3986m/13,077ft to 4034m/13,235ft | Altitude Gained: 48m

After breakfast, we continue on a steep ridge up to the adventurous Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction, which connects, with the Mweka Trail. This is one of the most impressive days to see the power, agility, and strength of your crew zip over this wall with what appears such ease. Overnight at Karanga Camp.

Day 6: Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp

Distance: 3.3km / 2mi | Duration: 4-5 hours | Habitat: Alpine Desert

Elevation: 4034m/13,235ft to 4662m/15,295ft | Altitude Gained: 628m

We continue up toward Barafu Camp, and once reached you have now completed the South Circuit, which offers a variety of breathtaking views of the summit from many different angles. An early dinner and rest as we prepare for summit night. Overnight at Barafu Camp.

Day 7: Summit Day - Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Distance: 4.86km / 3mi up, 13km / 8mi down | Duration: 5-7hrs up, 5-6hrs down

Elevation: 4662m/15,295ft to 5895m/19,341ft | Altitude Gained: 1233m

Descent to: 3106m/10,190ft | Altitude Lost: 2789m

Excitement is building as morning comes with an early start between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. We continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers trying to stay warm and focused on the amazing sense of accomplishment that lies ahead. With a switchback motion in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. You will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise during your short rest here. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From here on your remaining 1 hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, you are likely to encounter snow all the way.

Congratulations! One step at a time you have now reached Uhuru Peak the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa! After photos, celebrations and maybe a few tears of joy we take a few moments to enjoy this incredible accomplishment. We begin our steep descent down to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a very brief rest.

Day 8: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Moshi

Distance: 9.1km / 6mi | Duration: 3-4 hours | Habitat: Rainforest

Elevation: 3106m/10,190ft to 1633m/5358ft | Altitude Lost: 1473m

After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it's time to say goodbye. We continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy and steep and we highly recommend Gaiters and trekking poles. From the gate, a vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 30 minutes). Enjoy a long overdue hot shower, dinner and celebrations!!